The Bulls are making a push to become contenders, acquiring Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan as free agents alongside Zach LaVine.
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Since the Michael Jordan era, it would not be wrong to say that the Bulls have been a relatively less popular franchise in the NBA. They did have a honeymoon phase with Derrick Rose, especially during the 2010-11 season.
Rose became the youngest MVP in league history at the age of 22. The team did make it to the conference finals during the same year but were decimated by the Big 3 of the Miami Heat.
Ever since the departure of Derrick Rose, the Bulls have struggled to even get to the playoffs. It’s been 4-years since the windy city made it to the postseason.
However, things seemed to have changed since the arrival of 2x dunk contest winner Zach LaVine. LaVine made his Bulls debut in January 2018 due to an injury. Despite playing only 63 games, he led his team in PPG.
Zach LaVine made his debut All-Star appearance in 2020-21
The 26-year old had the best year of his career during the 2020-21 season. LaVine averaged 27.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 4.9 APG on an incredible 50.7% shooting from the field and 41.9% shooting from the 3-point line. His performance would earn him a spot in the 2021 All-Star game, marking his 1st All-Star appearance.
The Bulls want to waste no time in building a team around Zach LaVine. Earlier this year, they acquired 2x All-Star Nikola Vucevic as a center. A career average of 16.9 PPG and 10.4 RPG, Vucevic is a great asset to the team.
The signing of Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan during the 2020-21 off-season have made the team relevant again in the eastern conference.
DEMAR TO THE BULLS 😱
Chicago is finalizing a sign-and-trade deal to acquire DeMar DeRozan, a source told @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/W0yDDT99IL
— ESPN (@espn) August 3, 2021
The onset of a Big 3 of Lonzo Ball, DeMar DeRozan and LaVine in Chicago
The United Center should be buzzing more than ever with the arrival of a Big 3 in the windy city. With Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan joining forces with Zach Lavine, the Bulls seem a legit threat in the east.
The 23-year old Lonzo Ball has the basketball IQ of a veteran coupled with great passing ability. The point guard has consistently elevated his game through the years. Lonzo averaged 14.6 PPG, 5.7 APG, and 1.5 SPG as he shot an impressive 41.4% from the field and 37.8% from beyond the arc.
The arrival of 4x NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan brings great news to the Bulls fans. Though he had his best years with the Toronto Raptors, DeRozan didn’t seem that happy under coach Popawich if reports are to be believed.
Known for his great athletic ability, the 31-year old is a career 20 PPG on a 46.0% shooting from the field.
The Bulls look stronger than they ever have, entering the 2021-22 season. Though they still have to figure their team chemistry and playing positions.
